Orleans Central Supervisory Union

Dear OCSU Families,

 I hope your school year is off to a great start! It’s been great to see students back in the buildings and settling into the daily routines! For the rest of this month, I will be sending out one note each week as part of my Strong Start September communications. This week, I want to talk about one of our OCSU goals for the year, which is to increase our student attendance rates. We know that every day a student is in school is another opportunity to learn, to build on previous learning, participate in what’s happening in the classroom, connect with friends and trusted adults, and get support when it’s needed. Simply put, we want our students in school as much as possible because we want them to get everything they can from their time with us.

Of course, we also know that missed days can add up quickly. Missing just two days a month can mean missing about 10% of the school year. Vermont has a new attendance law that places a greater focus on chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% or more of school days, whether excused or unexcused. We absolutely have a responsibility to follow the law, but our goal is bigger than compliance. We want to notice concerns earlier, reach out sooner, and work together with families before a few missed days become a bigger concern.

To help us with this, I want to let you know that Danielle Greenwood will be working this year as OCSU’s School-to-Home Coordinator. Danielle will work with students, families, schools, and community partners if attendance becomes a concern. She can help us understand what may be getting in the way, connect families with resources, and bring the right people together to help. We know that sometimes getting to school can be difficult, for all kinds of reasons, and families don’t need to have the problem figured out before reaching out to us. That’s where we can work together.

As we get this school year underway, I’m asking for your partnership. When your child is healthy and able to be at school, we hope you will continue to partner with us and support regular attendance.

Please keep an eye on how many days have been missed and, whenever possible, schedule appointments, trips, and other activities outside of school time. Most importantly, if getting to school is becoming difficult for any reason, please talk with us. The earlier we know, the earlier we can work together to help.

If you’d like to learn more, Attendance Works has helpful information for families about attendance and chronic absence, including their quick 10 Facts About School Attendance resource, which shows how quickly missed days can add up and why regular attendance matters.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about Vermont’s new attendance law or the work we are doing here in OCSU, and thank you in advance for your continued partnership as we move through our school year!

Look for another note from me next week as we continue our Strong Start September! Warmly,

Jackie Ramsay-Tolman Your OCSU Superintendent

August 6, 2026
Dear OCSU Students, Families, Staff, Board Members, and Community Partners,
As the first week of August arrives, our thoughts naturally begin turning toward a new school year and the opportunities it brings. Across Orleans Central Supervisory Union, classrooms are being prepared, schedules are being finalized, and students and families are preparing for the excitement of the new beginning that each first day of school brings. While our roles may be different, we are all united in OCSU by a common vision: All of our students will have pathways that lead them to success throughout their lives. Our vision is our promise to our students, and guides the decisions we make, the relationships we build, and the way we work together every day to help each student in OCSU learn, grow, and thrive.
As we begin another school year together, I am filled with optimism because I have seen what is possible when an entire community comes together on behalf of its children. One of OCSU's greatest strengths is not found within the walls of any one school or in any single program or initiative. It is found in the connections between our schools, our families, our communities, and every person who believes in the potential of our students. When those connections are strong, students experience support, opportunity, encouragement, and a true sense of belonging. These relationships are the foundation of our shared success and inspire all of us to do our best for our students.
The progress we made last year gives me, and I hope you as well, confidence in what we can accomplish together. This year, we will continue strengthening our teaching and learning systems, ensuring all students are learning at high levels, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive. As the year begins, you will also hear more about several important changes required by Vermont law, including updated attendance procedures that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and partnership with families, as well as revised student cell phone expectations designed to support safe, focused learning environments.
As we prepare to begin a new school year, I want to sincerely thank each member of our OCSU community for your ongoing efforts and the vital role you will play in making this a remarkable year.
To our students, thank you in advance for bringing your curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and unique gifts to our classrooms. You each have something meaningful to contribute, and we cannot wait to see you learn, grow, and discover all that is possible.
To our families and caregivers, thank you for the trust you place in us and for the partnership you bring to our schools. Your encouragement, support, and involvement make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we are grateful to work alongside you throughout the year.
To our entire dedicated staff, thank you for the expertise, compassion, and commitment you will bring to each day. The relationships you build, the encouragement you offer, and the opportunities you create have a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Together, you help ensure that every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported.
Together, each of us plays an important role in helping students discover the pathways that will shape their futures. Those pathways are built not through the work of one individual, but through an entire community united by a shared commitment to every child. That is how we build pathways to success. That is how futures are shaped. And that is both our responsibility and our privilege.
I am so excited to begin my second year in OCSU serving as your superintendent. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity very soon!
Take good care,
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman
Your OCSU Superintendent

🇺🇸🚌 OCSU 8th Graders take on Washington, D.C.! 🏛️
Here they are seen on their visit to Capitol Hill.

Do you want to be part of the OCSU Local Wellness Policy Team? We’re forming a new team and we’re looking for folks to join from each school and from all interested groups: students, families, school staff, district administrators and board members! We’ll discuss what is going well and where we have room to grow in the areas of health education, physical education, nutrition education, school food service, and other school wellness activities! If you care about the wellbeing of OCSU students, please consider joining our team! Contact Julie Rose, District Nurse, jrose@ocsu.org and Becca Boucher, Food Service Director, bboucher@ocsu.org for more information.